Bullying is a problem affecting many youths and can have lasting impact on their lives.  In the United States, 20.1% of high school students in grades 9-12 reported they were bullied on school property and 16.2% reported they were bullied electronically through e-mail, chat rooms, instant messaging, websites or texting (Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance, Center for Disease Control, 2011). To prevent bullying, it is necessary to understand the problem and know what steps to take to stop it.  

What is Bullying?

Bullying is when someone repeatedly harms another person either physically or emotionally due to an imbalance of power.  Actions such as physically or verbally attacking someone, spreading rumors, and purposely excluding someone from a group are examples of bullying. Recently, technology has opened up a new venue for bullying through the use of the internet, social media sites, and messaging, which is referred to as cyberbullying.  The source of cyberbullying is difficult to locate and any harassing remarks or photos once they are posted online are hard to delete.  

Who is lik

Posted in Dating and Relationships, Health Topics by CCHRC | Tags: abuse, bully, bullying, cyberbully, harassing

What is drug abuse?

Drug abuse is a negative pattern of using a substance that can lead to physical, psychological, and social problems. Most people do not start using drugs expecting to develop a substance abuse problem—they see their drug use as a casual way to have fun. Unfortunately, once they start, many find it difficult to stop, and the habit eventually takes control over their lives. Many teenagers tell themselves they will only try a drug once, but after the first try, they are usually under peer pressure to continue experimenting with drugs. Don’t take the risk—not even once. Say “No” to drugs!

Every year, more money is spent on advertising alcohol than any other consumer product. These images usually show well-built men surrounded by very attractive women all holding a particular alcoholic beverage. For men, the message is “If I drink this alcohol, I can get all kinds of beautiful ladies.” For women, the message is “If I drink this alcohol, I will look very sexy and good looking guys will be attracted to me.” These advertisements couldn’t be further from the truth. Alcohol is the most commonly used and widely abused drug in the world.  Excessive alcohol consumption can lead to alcoholism, an addiction to alcohol which is a chronic and sometimes deadly disease.